Wisconsin's Broadcasters

Serving Every Local Community

iHeartMedia Milwaukee’s WMIL-FM raised over $225,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in a radiothon held December 6 – 7. “The FM106.1 team is so full of passion and love for the kids of St. Jude and the listeners respond each year in such a big way,” said Market President Colleen Valkoun.

Gray’s NBC affiliate WEAU-TV Eau Claire, Wis., raised $83,000 on December 4 in memory of three fourth grade Girl Scouts and a parent who were killed by an impaired driver as they volunteered for a highway cleanup. The money will be used for a memorial scholarship in their honor.

“WEAU adopted the mantra ‘Community First’ in 2009,” said Creative Services Director Andrew Felix. WEAU’s commitment to community goes beyond a slogan; it reflects how we operate as a station.”

E. W. Scripps’ WTMJ-AM Milwaukee raised more than $40,000 for the American Red Cross during its “Wisconsin Strong – Storm Relief” radiothon on August 31 to aid victims impacted by historic flooding across Wisconsin. Sister station WKTI-FM assisted in the efforts. The money went to shelters, food and clean-up kits.

Quincy Media’s ABC affiliate WKOW-TV teamed up with the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross to hold a live telethon on September 6 that raised almost $130,000 for flood relief. During the devastation of Hurricane Florence in other areas of the country, flooding due to unprecedented rainfall caused widespread damage in South Central Wisconsin.

“This disaster hit us hard here at home, but our viewers and community organizations still stepped up to help their neighbors,” said WKOW News Director Ed Reams.

iHeartMedia Milwaukee partnered with Tribune’s Fox affiliate WITI-TV on a Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief Phone Bank on September 19 for the American Red Cross. “It’s great when multiple media outlets come together for the common good,” said iHeartMedia Market President Colleen Valkoun. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by Hurricane Florence and we’re happy to help support the mission of the American Red Cross.”

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee raised $90,000 for hurricane relief efforts during a helpline held September 18 in partnership with the American Red Cross of Wisconsin. The money raised through this helpline will assist the Red Cross in providing shelter, food, supplies, and other forms of support.

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by Hurricane Florence. We’re all overcome with sadness to see the destruction that this has caused, yet deeply moved by the kindness displayed by our viewers,” said President and General Manager Jan Wade. “As the storms pass and the rebuilding begins, efforts like this helpline will empower Red Cross in their important mission.”

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Foundation announced on August 15 that it will continue its 30-year tradition of holding statewide political debates that will be made available to Wisconsin radio and television stations. Gubernatorial candidates Gov. Scott Walker (R) and challenger Tony Evers (D) are invited to participate in a debate hosted in the Madison market. This debate, originally scheduled for October 5, was rescheduled for October 13. U.S. Senate candidates Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) and challenger Leah Vukmir (R) are invited to an October 13 debate held in the Wausau/Rhinelander market. Viewers can ask questions via social media during both hour-long debates.

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee, Wis. partnered with Saga’s WKLH-FM and the Salvation Army to raise $66,000 in its sixth annual “Class Act School Supply Drive,” held August 21 – 22. Donations to the campaign’s “Stuff the Bus” initiative filled a school bus, ensuring that 4,400 backpacks were filled with supplies. “This initiative has a big impact on the lives of local kids, giving them supplies they need to start the school year equipped to learn,” said WISN President and General Manager Jan Wade.

Back Porch Broadcasting’s WORT-FM Madison, Wis., partnered with local newspaper Isthmus, The Progressive magazine, and the Madison Public Library on a debate held August 8 for all Democratic candidates for the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary. The eight candidates participated in a meet and greet before the hour-and-a-half long debate.

Morgan Murphy Media’s CBS affiliate WISC-TV Madison, Wis. raised $163,000 through an 18-hour telethon held July 18 for disaster relief efforts following a gas leak explosion. The July 10 explosion killed Sun Prairie Fire Department Capt. Cory Barr, injured others, displaced 58 people from their homes and affected 50 businesses, destroying five. Money was distributed to effected families and businesses as well as the Sun Prairie Emergency Food Pantry and local social services organization Sunshine Place.
“This is who we are,” said Morgan Murphy Media President and CEO Elizabeth Murphy Burns. “We are members of our communities and here to inform, entertain, but mostly to serve.”
“We were compelled to act, and the response was astonishing,” said Colin Benedict, vice president of news for Morgan Murphy Media and WISC news director. “So many people in our viewing area asked us what they could do to help, and we tried to serve as a connection to those in need.”

Scripps’ NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV Milwaukee exposed a local pharmacy for selling fake pills, following a phone call received by WTMJ’s non-profit partner Call For Action. Volunteers at Call For Action learned that the online pharmacy would close in mid-July as a result of a DOJ action for selling counterfeit drugs. The pharmacy promised consumers they could purchase up to a year’s worth of prescriptions before the close, but the WTMJ story warned viewers to be wary.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation (WBA) announced on March 19 that it will offer hour-long debates to radio and television stations across the state for live or delayed broadcast this election season. Democratic candidates for governor will debate July 13 at the studios of Gray’s NBC affiliate WMTV-TV Madison. The Republican candidates for U.S. Senate will debate July 21 at the studios of Gray’s CBS affiliate WSAW-TV Wausau. The WBA Foundation will also hold debates for the general election candidates in both races.

“The high level of interest in this year’s elections prompted us to organize debates for the hotly-contested statewide primaries,” said WBA Foundation President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind. “We are proud that Wisconsin’s broadcasters can bring the citizens forums that can help them be informed voters.”

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee partnered with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Bucks station, encouraging viewers to donate some of the most needed items – peanut butter and jelly – during a month-long food drive in February. The equivalent of 125,830 meals was collected.

In March, WISN-TV partnered with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and the Boy Scouts to encourage viewers to fill bags that were left on their door with non-perishable food items. The boy scouts then went door to door to collect the food. The equivalent of 115,233 meals was collected.

Scripps’ WTMJ-AM Milwaukee raised $54,000 on February 27 for Honor Flights, allowing 150 Vietnam veterans to visit Washington, D.C., to see the Vietnam War memorial. Afternoon host John Mercure led a three-week on-air campaign to raise funds, that culminated in three-hour radiothon and a pre-game fundraising party with the Milwaukee Bucks where guests met Vietnam veterans. “The WTMJ Cares campaign led by John Mercure is another example of how live, local radio impacts people and a community,” said Vice President and General Manager Tom Langmyer.

Gray’s NBC affiliate WMTV-TV Madison, Wis., collected a record 4.18 million meals for the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin during the 2017 “Share Your Holidays” campaign held throughout November and December. The food bank serves approximately 500 people each month. Watch the video here.

Gray-owned WSAW-TV and WZAW-LD, the CBS and Fox affiliates, respectively, in Wausau, Wis., held their 15th annual “Share Your Holidays” campaign on December 1. With WSAW-TV and WZAW-LD staff walking the Wausau Holiday Parade to collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations, the stations raised a record-breaking $95,811 to benefit the food pantries at The Salvation Army of Wausau and The Neighbors’ Place. The previous record of $90,942.72 was set in 2016.

Milwaukee Public School’s WYMS-FM Milwaukee has used grant money to commission local artists to paint murals aimed at spurring community conversations. Artist Stacey Williams-Ng will work on the first mural from July 31 – September 10. Katie Mullen and Jordan Pintar will work on the second mural from September 1 – October 6. “We want these pieces to propel dialogue,” said Marketing Director Alyssa Feuerer. By seeding thought-provoking messages through the city, we hope to encourage people to be more accepting and empathetic with their neighbors.”

iHeartMedia’s WISN-AM, WMIL-FM, WRIT-FM, WOKY-FM, WRNW-FM and WKKV-FM Milwaukee collected enough water on July 14 to fill five large semi-trucks for flood victims. Recent flash floods contaminated water wells, leaving residents without drinking water and electricity. “The iHeartMedia Milwaukee team and our listeners are committed to the people in the Milwaukee community. They saw their neighbors in need and jumped to action in a matter of hours,” said iHeartMedia Milwaukee Operations Manager Kerry Wolfe.

Gray Television’s CBS affiliate WSAW-TV and Fox affiliate WZAW-TV Wausau, Wis., raised $331,000 for the families of the victims of a deadly shooting in the Wausau community. On March 22, 2017 four people lost their lives in three separate but connected shootings in three local communities. Central Wisconsin Media Partners and River Valley Bank organized Victims Family Fund the day after the deadly shootings. WSAQ-TV and WZAW-TV provided public service announcements and WZAW dedicated time in their newscasts to remind viewers how they can help support the Victims Family Fund. The campaign, originally slated to run from March 23 - April 30, was extended an extra month thanks to an influx of contributions. All money was given directly to help the surviving families of the four victims.

Local television stations in Eau Claire, Wis., provided critical coverage during a May 13 tornado that killed one person, injured others and caused millions of dollars in damage. A trailer park was destroyed, leaving dozens without homes. Gray Television’s WEAU-TV Creative Service Director Andrew Felix offered TVNewsCheckan account of WEAU’s live warnings, three hours of nonstop coverage and promotions for a fundraiser held in the aftermath. One viewer later said, “I was watching you guys [at WEAU] faithfully there, and you kept saying to take cover, so I did.”

Quincy Media’s ABC affiliate WQOW-TV also provided continuous live coverage of the tornado onair and via social media. They reported live from the destroyed trailer park, aired a video of the tornado submitted by a viewer and produced a 30-minute prime time special after the storm. “We were pretty proud of it. We’re a small station, with a small staff,” News Director Dan Schillinger told TVNewsCheck. “But our team rose to the challenge of covering a disaster and performed like big-market pros.”

Alpha Media’s WIIL-FM Waukegan-Kenosha, Wis., raised $127,385 in an event benefitting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation on March 4. The volunteer-powered organization is one of the nation’s top providers of childhood cancer research grants. Tom Kief, co-host of WIIL’s “The Tom and Emily Morning Show,” personally raised nearly $34,000. “95 WIIL ROCK is proud to continue the St. Baldrick’s partnership, and I’m personally proud of Tom for his commitment to making a great event,” said Alpha Media Waukegan-Kenosha Market Manager Karl Wertzler.

Wisconsin radio and television stations submitted a record number of on air, digital and social media projects for consideration for the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Awards for Excellence. The 1,783 submissions - up from 95 in 2015 - came from 101 radio stations and 34 television stations. The Awards for Excellence will be presented at the WBA Awards Gala on May 6. “The Awards for Excellence have evolved so much over the years to recognize all the new tools our members are using to connect with local audiences,” said WBA President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind. “The awards give everyone a chance to see the best of what’s happening in local broadcasting.”

Gray Television’s CBS affiliate WSAW-TV and WZAW-TV Wausau, Wis., shattered records by raising more than $90,000 in its “Share Your Holidays” drive, held December 2 – 22. The campaign benefits the food pantries at The Salvation Army of Wausau and The Neighbors’ Place. The previous record was $63,432. In 14 years, the campaign has raised more than $500,000.

Evangel Ministries WEMI-FM Appleton, Wi. collected more than 2,000 Christmas Care shoe box gifts in the 19th annual ‘Christmas Care’ drive, benefitting 35 local crisis programs and emergency rooms. Shelter staff and hospital emergency room workers watch carefully for patients who are in crisis or lack adequate clothing. A staff member at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Green Bay described one event: “A tall, elderly man who had fallen came in for our help and he ended up staying overnight. He was upset with the thought of spending Christmas in the hospital. There was a Christmas Care gift marked ‘for a tall man’, and we gave that to him. He was tearful - and told us it was the only present he had gotten in years - he was delighted by the gift, and said that this made his Christmas. Thank you!”

iHeartMedia’s WRIT-FM Milwaukee raised a record $293,500 during its eight annual Make-A-Wish® Radio-A-Thon, held December 1 - 2. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. “95.7 BIG FM is proud to share stories of hope, courage, and holiday spirit during our Make-A-Wish Radio-A-Thon,” said Vice President of Programming Brett Andrews.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation sponsored a debate between incumbent U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and Democratic challenger Russ Feingold on October 14. The hour-long debate, produced by Sinclair’s Fox affiliate WLUK-TV Green Bay, aired on 84 radio and TV stations across the state. “The WBA Foundation is honored to continue our more than 25-year tradition of these important debates as part of the civic and political process,” said WBAF President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind.

Weigel Broadcasting Company’s CBS affiliate WDJT-TV Milwaukee aired a one-hour commercial-free special report on September 6 to address the gun violence and unrest in the city. The broadcast included a roundtable discussion with five families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, plus remarks from Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn, County Sheriff David Clarke and community leaders.

Scripps’ WTMJ-AM Milwaukee held a community conversation regarding social unrest on August 17, following violence and protests over the shooting death of an armed black suspect by local police. The special served as a forum for local residents, clergy, politicians and police to discuss life in the most challenged areas of the city. “The violence that erupted this week is a reminder of the struggles many face in our community. WTMJ Radio will lead the way for a productive listening session, where leaders can get together and offer solutions. Now is not a time for finger pointing, it’s a time to listen,” VP/GM Tom Langmyer said. In addition to being aired on WTMJ, it was streamed on the station’s website and via “Facebook Live.”

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation will sponsor a 2016 U.S. Senate debate between incumbent U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and Democratic challenger Russ Feingold will be held on October 14. The hour-long debate will be offered statewide to Wisconsin television and radio stations for live broadcast and re-broadcast. “The WBA Foundation is honored to continue our more than 25-year tradition of these important debates as part of the civic and political process,” said WBAF President & CEO Michelle Vetterkind.

Quincy Media’s ABC affiliate WKOW-TV Madison aired a 90-minute, commercial free documentary titled “Our Wisconsin: Equity & Justice For All?” on July 22. The program examined the disparities between white and black people, including infant mortality, student performance and graduation rates, unemployment and poverty. “Because our audience is predominantly white, we decided to make our documentary the ‘black voice’ that many Wisconsinites never hear,” said WKOW-TV anchor Greg Jeschke. The special also aired on ABC affiliates in Wausau, La Crosse and Eau Claire.

Gray Television’s CBS affiliate WSAW-TV Wausau, WI aired “NewsChannel 7 Investigates | VA Denying Nearly 1 out of Every 3 Veterans’ Emergency Claims.” WSAW-TV discovered a VA executive admitted there are a large number of denied veterans’ emergency treatment claims. The VA Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Health for Community Care, Dr. Baligh Yahia, testified before a Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee in February. Yahia told members of Congress, during the 2014 budget year, approximately 30 percent of the 2.9 million emergency claims filed with the VA were denied. Of those 870,000 denied claims, Yahia said 89,000 were late. Another 98,000 were not emergencies. There were 140,000 claims denied because a VA facility was determined to have been available. In addition, 320,000 more claims were denied because the veteran was determined to have other health insurance that should have paid for the care.

Midwest Communications’ WTAQ-AM Green Bay, WHBL-AM/FM Sheboygan and WSAU-AM Wausau partnered on “Heroin In Wisconsin: Save Our Families,” a live, five-hour special that aired from 6 – 11 a.m. on May 6. Morning show hosts engaged listeners in a conversation about opioids and provided in-depth coverage on Wisconsin’s growing addiction problem. The stations also worked with state and local law enforcement to raise money for heroin and opioid treatment facilities. Al Peterson of NTS Mediasaid it is “a great example of local radio using its resources and airwaves to address a major issue facing their listeners and communities.”

Scripps’ WTMJ-AM Milwaukee sponsored two “Stars and Stripes Honor Flights” that flew 140 veterans from Milwaukee to Washington D.C. in May. During “WTMJ’s Operation Parallel,” afternoon host John Mercure talked with veterans about what a trip to their war memorial would mean to them. Operation Parallel’s two radiothons raised $250,000 to fund the flights. “We are humbled by the absolutely incredible support of WTMJ Radio,” said Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Vice President for Public Relations Karyn Roelke. “Many of our veterans have already told us that, aside from their wedding day and the birth of their children, their Honor Flight day was the best day they have ever had.”

Sinclair’s Fox affiliate WLUK-TV Green Bay aired “Excess Lambeau Sales Tax” on May 10, showing that municipalities in Brown County are not spending the $17.4 million in encumbered tax dollars left over from the Lambeau Field renovation project. The excess funds are meant to support local communities, but WLUK found that only 11 of 25 local governments have spent or allocated most of the money.

Morgan Murphy Media’s CBS affiliate WKBT La Crosse, WI launched “The Compassion Project” after a viewer criticized anchor Jennifer Livingston for her weight, telling her she was a bad role model for her children and the community. Livingston’s on-air response went viral and triggered an unprecedented response in the community and across the country. This led to the creation of “The Compassion Project,” a coalition of local law enforcement, schools, healthcare and social service agencies. The alliance continues to meet regularly and has launched numerous local initiatives to address bullying.

Media General’s ABC affiliate WBAY-TV Green Bay raised $1.2 million in the 62nd annual CP telethon, held March 5-6. The telethon supports the CP Center’s programs for kids and adults with cerebral palsy and a range of disabilities. The organization serves about 2,000 families and is working to expand its services.

Hearst-owned ABC affiliate WISN Milwaukee and the Marquette University Law School to air debates between candidates in several races.They will produce and air the mayoral debate March 11; the statewide Wisconsin Supreme Court debate on March 15; the debate for Milwaukee County Executive aired on March 9. All events also streamed online and on the 12 News Mobile App.

Midwest Communication’s WBFM-FM Sheboygan, Wis. raised $35,000 for St. Jude in a radiothon held March 10-11. St. Jude continues to be on the cutting edge of research into childhood diseases and also provides families with free, on-site housing while their children battle severe illnesses.

Midwest Communications’ Wisconsin stations hosted successful radiothons for St. Jude Children’s Research hospital. WNCY-FM Oshkosh raised a record $274,000 in its 19th annual fundraiser, held February 11 -12. WDEZ-FM Wausau raised a record $163,000 for the children.

Gray Television’s NBC affiliate WEAU Eau Claire, Wis., raised a record $313,000 in the 36th annual United Cerebral Palsy Star Fest Telethon, held Jan. 31. WEAU continued to collect donations online. The telethon supports the hundreds of children, adults and families dealing with the challenges of disabilities in the 12-county area of West Central Wisconsin served by UCP.

Entercom’s WMYX-FM Milwaukee collected more than 100,000 meals in the 18th annual "Stuff the Bus" food drive, led by morning show hosts Wes and Elizabeth on November 25. Five Milwaukee County Transit System buses were stuffed with food, including 235 turkeys, during the 12-hour live broadcast. The drive benefits Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) partnered with Iraq veteran and WI Department of Veteran Affairs employee Dan Buttery on "Operation Welcome Home." Buttery has spent six years raising money for a Fisher House in Milwaukee. Fisher House offers free lodging for military families while a loved one receives medical treatment. Broadcaters’ support for his efforts include:

E.W. Scripps’ WTMJ-AM Milwaukee raised funds to send Korean War veterans from Milwaukee to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorial. Many of the local veterans have never visited the Korean War memorial. Host John Mercure aimed to raise $100,000 to pay for two flights. Listen to this audio clip.

Gray Television’s NBC affiliate WMTV Madison, Wisc., hosted a "Go Orange" campaign on September 3. The initiative brought in 72,000 meals for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin. WMTV asked viewers to take a selfie while wearing orange and post it to Facebook with the #Orange4SHFB hashtag.

Saga Communication’s WKLH-FM Milwaukee morning hosts Dave Luczak and Carole Caine raised a record $1.3 million in their annual fundraiser before the Memorial Day weekend. During the 36-hour radiothon for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the morning show broadcast live from the hospital, speaking about available programs. Since its with patient families and hospital staff inception in 1998, the radiothon has raised over $22 million.

Northern Wisconsin’s WEMI/WEMY, owned and operated by the Family Radio Network, raised over $343,000 worth of hygiene and cleaning products during their 23rd annual “Help for the Homeless” collection. Collected supplies were donated to 79 local crisis programs.

Midwest Communications’ WNCY-FM Green Bay raised $260,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in its 18th annual "Y100 St. Jude Kids Radiothon," held Feb. 12. The station raised $55,000 more than it did in 2014 and has over $4 million in the past 18 years.

Midwest Communications’ WTAQ-FM Green Bay, Wis. host Jerry Bader raised more than $12,000 during his annual fundraiser for Families of Children With Cancer, Inc. in northeast Wisconsin. The Families of Children with Cancer, Inc., is a nonprofit support group for patients, families and long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Members of the Green Bay Fire Department, served bowls of their famous “firehouse chili” to all who stopped by to donate.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation sponsored debates on Oct. 10 and 17 between Gov. Scott Walker and challenger Mary Burke. The debate aired on stations throughout Wisconsin. "We are very excited about our new debate plan and the changes that have been made to the program and believe the end result will be beneficial to our viewers, listeners, members and the gubernatorial campaigns," said WBA President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) hosted a special event in the Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda on June 6 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy and to recognize the sacrifices of Wisconsin’s veterans from that day and others. WBA partnered with the six Wisconsin Honor Flight Hubs and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to mark the important day. The event featured presentations on behalf of the state to World War II veterans, including those who fought on D-Day. Honorees shared their personal accounts from World War II. WAB produced an hour-long program with all the event highlights, as well as an hour-long documentary, "They Fought for Freedom," which highlighted all six Wisconsin Honor Flight Hubs and Wisconsin’s World War II veterans.

Mid-West Family’s WWQM-FM and WJQM-FM Madison, Wis., hosted the 10th annual American Family Children’s Hospital Radiothon. The three-day, 39-hour radiothon broadcast live from the lobby of the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison and featured the inspiring stories of patients, families and staff at the hospital. The 2014 radiothon raised more than $680,000, a new record for the stations.

Mid-West Family Stations’ WWQM-FM Madison, Wis., hosted the "Q106 Storytellers Jam 15" to raise money for the local American Family Children’s Hospital. The concert, which featured The Cadillac Three, Chuck Wicks, Chase Rice and "mystery artist" Gary Allan, raised more than $15,000 for the hospital.

Midwest Communications’ WNCY-FM Green Bay hosted the station’s 17th annual radiothon to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals. The event raised more than $204,000 for the local St. Jude Hospital. WNCY-FM has raised more than $3.8 million since the radiothon began 17 years ago.

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee held a Health Care Coverage Hotline to assist viewers in southeastern Wisconsin with questions about health care changes due to the new Affordable Care Act. WISN-TV’s News Director Chris Gregg explained, "We want to be a resource to our viewers, provide them with an opportunity to clear any confusion on this complex subject." WISN-TV’s anchors encouraged viewers to call in with questions, and experts from the Milwaukee Enrollment Network were available to provide information.

Following a summer with a heightened level of violence, three urban music radio stations in Milwaukee, Saga Communications’ WJMR-FM, Clear Channel’s WKKV-FM and Courier Communications’ WNOV-AM joined together to launch the "Urban Radio United for Peace" PSA campaign. Laurie Jones, WJMR-FM’s brand manager said, "Our stations share many listeners. So it makes sense for the stations to be united and consistent in our message. As listeners flip around the dial, they are going to hear our message, regardless of which station they tune into."

Independently-owned WITI-TV Milwaukee worked with the American Red Cross to host three phone banks following the tornadoes in Moore, Okla. Over the course of those phone banks, WITI-TV’s viewers donated $125,000 to the Red Cross’s relief efforts.

Back Porch Broadcasting’s WORT-FM Madison, Wis., partnered with local newspaper Isthmus, The Progressive magazine, and the Madison Public Library on a debate held August 8 for all Democratic candidates for the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary. The eight candidates participated in a meet and greet before the hour-and-a-half long debate.

Journal Broadcasting Group’s WTMJ-AM Milwaukee held its 7th annual Kids 2 Kids Christmas campaign, urging parents to take their children shopping to select and purchase toys for less fortunate kids. The Salvation Army distributed the toys to children across southeastern Wisconsin. This year, Kids 2 Kids collected more than 19,000 toys.

Nicolet
Broadcasting Inc. will kick off its annual "Technology to
the Classrooms" spring campaign on its four Door County,
Wis., radio stations, WBDK-FM, WRLU-FM, WRKU-FM and WSBW-FM. Nicolet
has partnered with area Rotary Clubs and others to host a series
of presentations in which school officials explain the need for
new technology in local schools. During the programs, partners
sell raffle tickets for a $3,500 flat screen television, with
proceeds going to fund new technology. Nicolet hopes "Technology
to the Classrooms" will educate the public and support schools’
efforts to innovate.

Journal Broadcasting Group’s WTMJ-TV Milwaukee aired a senatorial debate between Tommy Thompson and Tammy Baldwin. The one-hour debate averaged a 6.6 rating between 7:00 and 8:00 pm, reaching the equivalent of 62,700 households. About 293,000 households tuned in to an earlier town hall debate on all four Milwaukee affiliates.

Milwaukee Radio Alliance’s WLDB-FM Milwaukee hosted the 4th annual "Jane & CV Call to Care Radiothon" on October 5 to benefit After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD), a local nonprofit that is fighting the battle against breast cancer. Morning show hosts Jane & CV broadcast live from the WLDB-FM studios, soliciting listener donations and auctioning off prizes throughout the 13-hour radiothon.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association hosted a special gubernatorial recall debate between Gov. Scott Walker and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on May 25. The hour-long debate was held in Hearst’s WISN-TV studios in Milwaukee and televised across the state. Several local television news anchors questioned the candidates along with the debate moderator, John Laabs, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation’s president and chief executive officer. Click here to listen to an audio clip of the debate. WISN-TV hosted a second debate on May 31 moderated by the station’s Mike Gousha.

Cumulus Broadcasting joined LIN Media’s WLUK-TV Green Bay, Wis.,
and the Salvation Army to collect new and used coats for needy children
across Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The annual Coats
for Kids campaign enjoyed another successful drive as approximately
11,349 coats were collected throughout the area. Click here
to view WLUK-TV’s coverage of the campaign.

The "Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest," an effort sponsored by WMVS-TV and WMVT-TV in Milwaukee, Wis., since 1994, is inspiring kids to be authors. The annual program kicks off in the classroom, where teachers are provided information from the stations on how to start a Reading Rainbow Writers Club. To date, 44 schools are using the contest as a classroom activity and another 11 as an after-school club. In 2008, the stations received nearly 1,200 story entries from students in kindergarten to third grade. Twenty winning submissions were chosen, to which the stations added sound effects and aired together as a 30-minute special. The stories were also broadcast separately as interstitials during the year. Promotional spots for the contest feature the winning children individually, each holding up his or her story with a voiceover that says, "Some of the best stories in the world are written by children. So what are you waiting for? Tell us your story." The spots play 365 days a year. In addition to the Reading Rainbow project, the stations offer community workshops directly addressing issues of family literacy. This service helped more than 5,000 people in 2007. Ten workshops are conducted in English and 10 in Spanish each year.

The community’s children are at the heart of a longtime partnership between WJJQ-AM/FM in Tomahawk, Wis., and the Tomahawk Optimist Club. Each year, the station sponsors an "Optimist Club Radio Day," where proceeds from advertising are given to the club to help support its many child-centered activities. The ads sold for the fundraiser feature members of the Optimist Club, many in their 80s or older. To help raise awareness, the station runs news stories and promotions about the club and the event starting seven weeks in advance. Since the beginning of the "Radio Day" campaign more than two decades ago, about $50,000 has been raised to support the youngest members of Tomahawk. "WJJQ is at the very heart of the community," said Allan Prosser, president of the Tomahawk Optimist Club. "When we combine our efforts, we are able to raise thousands of dollars in this small town that is then returned to the community to provide for our youth. That is how we kept this community growing."

Keeping spirits bright at the local Children’s Hospital, WSSP-AM in Milwaukee, Wis., conducted its second annual Toy Drive for Children’s Hospital. The station collected toys to be delivered to the young patients at Brewtown Children’s Hospital the week before Christmas. Rather than put the toys in Santa’s sleigh, WSSP Programming Director Ryan Maguire said that the station “completely filled” a 26-foot moving van with donated toys. In total, the Toy Drive raised more than $10,000 in cash and toys, more than doubling the total of last year’s inaugural event.

Gilda’s Club, a place where people facing a diagnosis of cancer can share their hopes and fears, is opening its doors to the community of which WMGN-FM in Madison, Wis., is a part. Once plans were underway for the new facility, which is a part of an international nonprofit organization founded in memory of comedian Gilda Radner, the station organized the three-day “Magic 98 Concert for Gilda’s Club” to help bring in the funds needed to break ground. For the “concert,” the station aired recordings of nationally known artists live in concert between special guest appearances and call-ins from Gilda’s friends throughout the country. After the success of the inaugural event, the station held a second “Concert for Gilda’s Club” radiothon one year later. Highlights included an on-air call from Gilda’s brother, Michael; a candid interview with WISC-TV’s Toni Morrissey about her skin cancer diagnosis; and listeners’ stories. The two events, which raised nearly $250,000 for the new facility, involved months of planning and a commitment by WMGN staff to log in long hours. “WMGN has been great,” said Cindy Alvarez, chair of the board for Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin. "We are very thankful for their continuing support and talent. The “Magic 98 Concert for Gilda’s Club” was given first place honors by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association for making a significant community impact.

As part of its commitment to 2008 political coverage, WISN-TV in Milwaukee, Wis., asked students from Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to be political correspondents. The project, "Student Commitment 2008," involves six university advisers and 33 students currently studying journalism, political science and communications. The young journalists, who represent an important voting population in the 2008 elections, broadcast their work through several venues, including news reports, radio podcasts, blogs and videocasts on a student-driven political Web page on the station’s site. Station staff meets with the students at least once a month. On February19, 2008, during the Wisconsin primary, the students added content to a live stream of WISN’s coverage. "I love the multi-media aspects of this initiative," said Cheryl O’Brien, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee senior in broadcast journalism. "We are the future in journalism, and this really gives us an opportunity to report the news, participate in the political process and hopefully make a difference."

When record flooding claimed lives and property, WIZM-AM in LaCrosse, Wis., organized a community fund drive, which generated more than $395,000 in individual and corporate donations in a single day. The station enlisted the help of all local radio, television and newspapers for the 12-hour event, which provided emergency assistance to area flood victims through the American Red Cross. Shortly after the flood hit, WIZM began airing announcements encouraging listeners to help. A heavy schedule of news stories and interviews highlighted the most urgent needs. On the day of the collection, WIZM personalities filled buckets with monetary donations from the community from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Three remotes featuring donors and volunteers aired every hour throughout the day. The next morning, the station conducted a follow-up interview with the local Red Cross. The relief funds provided shelter, food, water, clean-up supplies and comfort kits to those in need. WIZM was a 2008 National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award winner.

To provide children comfort when they need it, WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee, Wis., hosts an annual "Teddy Bear Patrol" campaign. The effort encourages listeners to donate stuffed animals for local police, fire departments and emergency medical services to distribute to children in crisis situations. In 2007, the station organized 84 collection sites and enlisted the help of 77 schools throughout the state, resulting in the collection of more than 6,000 teddy bears. The station supported the "Teddy Bear Patrol" initiative with a multi-tiered marketing campaign, which included live and recorded public service announcements, placement of collection bins, email newsletters sent to 17,000 "Loyal Listener Club" members, newspaper advertisements, Web site promotion, inclusion on WTMJ’s interactive phone line, news releases and a targeted direct mail campaign to schools. Since it began in 1993, WTMJ’s "Teddy Bear Patrol" has collected and distributed more than 70,000 teddy bears. Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awarded WTMJ with Best Support of a Community Event for the Teddy Bear Patrol in 2007.

To highlight the importance of education, WLUK-TV in Green Bay, Wis., recognizes the city’s top teachers and students each school year. Eight local teachers who have made a difference in the classroom are awarded the station’s Golden Apple Award. To ensure widespread participation, the station produces and broadcasts public service announcements encouraging students to nominate their favorite educator. The station’s anchors then head into the schools to tape the winning teachers with their students. Each winner is profiled in a two-minute news story, and the station airs a one-hour live telecast of the black-tie awards banquet. WLUK also pays tribute to top students with its "Best of the Class" awards, in which the station invites 108 high schools to send their valedictorians to a ceremony held at the Green Bay Packers’ football stadium, Lambeau Field. Each valedictorian is videotaped in cap and gown, from which the station’s editors develop 30-second vignettes that air 150 times. In addition, all the stories and videos featuring the award-winning teachers and students are posted on the station’s Web site.

Tails were wagging when WQRB-FM in Eau Claire, Wis., lent its talent and air power to help the area’s four-legged friends at the 21st annual Humane Society Annual Fido Fun Run. The station, which emceed the event from start to finish, ran more than 150 public service announcements over a four-week period to promote the two-mile walk to raise funds and awareness for the Humane Society. More than $15,000 was raised for the dogs, many of which were at the event for prospective pet owners to meet and adopt. On-air personalities encouraged listeners to obtain donations for each mile walked and the station used its Web site to provide links to pledge and registration forms as well additional information about the Humane Society. An on-air interview with the director of the local Humane Society before the event also helped to bring animal lovers together for the sake of their best friends.